Chapter 12, Aging and Inequality Based on Age Key Terms

chronological age A person’s age based on date of birth. functional age Observable individual attributes such as physical appearance, mobility, strength, coordination, and mental capacity that are used to assign people to age categories.

life expectancy Average number of years that a group of people born in the same year could expect to live. cohort A group of people born within a specified period of time.

gerontology The study of aging and older people. age stratification Inequalities, differences, segregation or conflict between age groups.

ageism Prejudice and discrimination against people on basis of age, particularly against older persons. entitlements Certain benefit payments, paid by the government.

elder abuse Physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial exploitation and medical abuse or neglect of people age 65 or older. disengagement theory Older persons make a normal and healthy adjustment to aging when they detach themselves from their social roles and prepare for their eventual death.

activity theory People tend to shift gears in late middle age and find substitutes for previous statuses, roles and activities. hospice An organization that provides a homelike facility or home-based care for people who are terminally ill.